F-Label is a globally registered trademark that empowers consumers to identify and understand the production process behind innovative products that mimic or replace compounds traditionally derived from animals. F-Label builds trust and fosters acceptance for cutting-edge food technologies, enabling a sustainable future where animal-free production takes center stage.
F-Label is an independent organization that bridges the gap between industry experts and consumers by staying at the forefront of developments in food innovation and consumer needs. A product bearing the F-Label guarantees that no animals were involved at any stage of its production. This includes products that contain compounds identical to those found in animals but produced through entirely animal-free methods.
Products that include compounds identical to those naturally found in animals, created without any animal-derived input during the production process.
Compounds that are similar to animal-derived substances or serve equivalent purposes can also qualify. These products emphasize innovative production techniques, showcasing how new methods (e.g. precision fermentation) enable the creation of alternatives traditionally sourced from animals.
While F-Label products adhere to strict animal-free standards, their unique focus lies in replicating or replacing animal-based compounds. Thus, they offer a complementary certification to V-Label.
F-Label products do not require materials derived from animals in their production process.
No animals are harmed or slaughtered for F-Label products.
F-Label products do not contain GMOs, according to existing regulations (GMOs might be used in the process but are eliminated from the end product).
F-Label products do not require antibiotics in the production process and do not contain antibiotics.
The fermented component of F-Label products stems from a production process that is free of pathogens (such as salmonella, E. coli, etc.) and is therefore itself pathogen free.
F-Label products contain virtually no heavy metals or plastics.
The F-Label can be applied to composite products, of which only specific ingredients are the result of F-Label technologies. In such cases, all other ingredients and processing aids are vegan.
All of the current evidence indicated that products that have undergone F-Label technologies are safe for human consumption. For example, precision fermentation is already used to produce vitamin supplements such as B12 or D2. Novel food technologies must meet stringent standards, including comprehensive reviews by food safety authorities, before they are permitted for sale.
F-Label supports a variety of technologies, including precision fermentation, biomass fermentation, syngas fermentation, cell-free synthesis, and other innovative approaches. The certification is designed to adapt to emerging advancements that replicate or replace animal-derived compounds without animal involvement.
Any product that imitates compounds naturally found in animals but is produced entirely without the use of animals. It can also be applied to composite products, where all ingredients other than the animal-like compound are vegan.
They may be. However, sometimes a technology aims to produce compounds which are identical to those derived from animals. In such cases, they do not fulfill many of the definitions currently used to describe «vegan». For example, someone who chooses to eat vegan for ethical reasons may consider eating these products, as no animals were used to produce them. On the other hand, someone who chooses to eat vegan due to health concerns will opt to stay away as animal material is present in the final product. F-Label informs consumers that no animals were used during production.
The F-Label was developed by the same team that created the V-Label. As products awarded the F-Label sometimes contain molecules identical to animal compounds, the traditional categorization into «vegan» and «vegetarian» is no longer possible. However, the same ideals that surround V-Label have also been applied to the F-Label. Our focus remains on animal welfare, which means that aside from the engineered compounds, all materials used in production are strictly vegan. Therefore, F-Label is an ideal choice for consumers concerned with animal welfare.
Yes, as long as both criteria are met. However, the V-Label specifically excludes compounds which in nature are only found in animal sources.
No, obtaining an F-Label does not grant regulatory approval to sell your product in any market. Regulatory food and feed authorities, such as the FDA, FSA, or EFSA, are responsible for granting market access for novel foods.
An F-Label license confirms that a producer has met our criteria for transparency and production practices. It is an independent mark of quality, but is not a substitute for regulatory approval.
While regulatory authorities focus on safety and compliance for market access, F-Label provides additional assurance by certifying producers’ adherence to high production standards, adding value to the product’s credibility.
No, an F-Label license does not replace regulatory approval. Producers must still obtain all necessary clearances from food safety authorities before selling their products.
F-Label and C-Label serve distinct but complementary roles in the evolving food industry. F-Label focuses on animal-free production methods, assessing and certifying products made using precision fermentation, biomass fermentation, and other innovative techniques. C-Label is dedicated to cultivated products, ensuring transparency and consumer trust in products made from cells grown outside an animal.
Similar to conventional food labels (fair trade, vegan, etc.), F-Label checks and approves products and grants a seal of quality that makes them easily recognizable and targetable by end consumers, therefore promoting sales.
and overcome the stigma that surrounds novel technologies with transparent licensing.
Having a third-party authority confirm your product’s safety and quality will serve as a competitive advantage, helping establish a loyal customer base.
Registration as a new customer is the first step required for licensing your fermented products with the F-Label. In order to provide you with a non-binding offer, we need information about your company as well as general information about the products that you would like to license.
Please fill out the information below to submit a request and we will reach out to you with the next steps. We look forward to receiving your request.
This page highlights further online resources surrounding the technologies behind F-Label.
These are third party sources that are not directly connected to F-Label.